Computational simulation of wireless sensor networks for pesticide drift control

Abstract

The efficient application of low cost pesticides is a challenge for agricultural production. Pesticide drift is a major cause of environmental contamination. At the time of application, it is essential to know the environmental conditions, such as wind, temperature and humidity to minimize contamination. This study proposes the use of wireless sensor networks in a support and control system for crop spraying and three cases of use are put forward. In the first case, the sensor network evaluates environmental data at the time of application to notify the user if the environmental conditions are suitable. The second use evaluates the wind speed and direction to suggest corrections in the path of a spray vehicle. Due to this alteration in the path, the pesticide is applied solely in the appropriate area. The final use involves collecting samples and analyzing the quality of crop spraying by evaluating the deposition of the pesticide over the crop. Through computer simulations, wireless sensor networks are shown to be useful in crop spraying operation to minimize and to control pesticide drift, to improve the quality of application, to reduce environmental contamination and to save time and money.